Pagan (island)

Pagan is a volcanic island in the Northern Mariana Islands, in the western Pacific Ocean. It is part of the Northern Islands Municipality and is dominated by volcanic cones, including Mount Pagan.

The island’s main attraction is its volcanic landscape - lava fields, steep shorelines and volcanic cones that rise sharply from the sea. Shoreline cliffs and black volcanic rock create limited landing spots; there are no major tourist facilities and visits are infrequent and typically require prior permission.

Historically Pagan supported small settlements and subsistence agriculture; significant eruptive activity in the late 20th century led to evacuations and long-term depopulation. The island remains under the administration of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and is monitored for volcanic activity.

Pagan lies in the northern part of the Mariana archipelago, roughly midway between Saipan and Farallon de Pajaros, and is administered as part of the Northern Islands Municipality.

• Volcanic island: The island is volcanic, dominated by Mount Pagan and a second cone, and has a landscape of lava flows and steep coastal cliffs.
• Access and habitation: Inhabitance was interrupted by eruptions in the late 20th century and there are abandoned villages and limited infrastructure; access is by boat and subject to local administration and safety restrictions.